Times-Reporter Staff Writer Jon Baker will be presented with the first-ever Rev. Joseph E. Weinland History Award during a ceremony Sept. 21st at Historic Schoenbrunn Village. (The Times-Reporter)

NEW PHILADELPHIA - A local columnist and reporter who has spent decades conveying the local life and history of the Tuscarawas Valley is being honored for his efforts with new local history award. 

Moravian Congregations of the Tuscarawas Valley have selected The Times-Reporter's Jon Baker as the first recipient of their Rev. Joseph E. Weinland History Award honoring citizens' efforts to highlight and preserve local history. 

Baker will receive the award during a ceremony September 21st beginning at 2pm in the schoolhouse at Historic Schoenbrunn Village. He will also give a short talk about the history he has covered in the Tuscarawas Valley and highlight three stories about people whose lives were affected by the Moravian missions. 

Schoenbrunn Site Manager Deidra Lute says the event is being held in conjunction with the Smithsonian Museum Day event that offers free admission to participating museums nationwide. She says people can visit smithsonianmag.com and enter their email address to download free Schoenbrunn museum tickets. Regular admission rates apply for those without Museum Day tickets.